Power Play: Transformation and Co-optation in Community Energy Policy

One of the most pressing contemporary challenges is how to enable effective and popular low-carbon energy transitions. Local engagement in energy projects is theorized by many environmental scholars to strengthen the quality and effectiveness energy sector redesign. Germany and Denmark have provided pioneering examples for industrialized countries in this respect. Support for community energy is also prompted by social research on environmental preference formation and the economic potential of new ‘green’ industrial opportunities for community actors. However, significant challenges of political will, policy design and implementation have emerged in this space. Even when new community energy policies are introduced and resourced, incumbent energy sector actors may co-opt community initiatives. This paper comparatively examines community energy policy development in New Zealand, Canada (Ontario) and the United Kingdom. It assesses the rationale for adoption and implementation issues that have arisen before drawing lessons for future policy learning.